Defamation: Advocacy Group Seeks Justice For Afe Babalola
A group, Justice for Afe Babalola Legacy has advocated for justice, fairness and equity in the legal battle between renowned legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola SAN and a Lagos based human rights activist, Dele Farotimi.
The group made this known during a news conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
Covener of the group, Mr Femi Alufa maintained that Aare Afe Babalola’s exemplary life of integrity, and virtue earned him a place not only in the legal profession but in all spheres of life.
Alufa noted that Mr Farotimi who is a legal practitioner of repute would not deliberately act in variance with the law which he vowed to uphold at all times also deserved a fair hearing.
Heemphasized that every nigerian has the right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but such should be exercised within the boundary of the law and with due regard for the right and dignity of others.
we must safeguard against the malignment of truth and the protection of those who have dedicated their lives to upholding it. In the end the unfair system will prove the very tool through which fairness and justice are achieved”.
In his remark, the Publicity Secretary of the group Mr Rotimi Opeyeoluwa stressed that Aare Afe Babalola who has been a mentor to members of the group is a hardworking, courageous, knowledgeable and daring lawyer who rose from poverty to achieve greatness.
the good things we know Aare Afe Babalola OFR, CON, SAN and can attest to the fact that the man we know is completely different from the one portrayed in the said book”.
Mr Opeyeoluwa urged members of the public to always have faith in the rule of law as the prosecution between Aare Afe Babalola and Mr Dele Farotimi is about the sanctity of justice for individuals and the preservation of the dignity of the judiciary.
Other members of the group which included Professor Adeyemi Ademowo, Professor Ademola Azeez and Professor Ayodeji Emmanuel demanded for justice for a man who has given his best to his profession and country.
Legal Icon, Aare Afe Babalola and human right Lawyer, Dele Farotimi are currently embroiled in a legal battle over a book authored by mr Rotimi titled Nigeria and its criminal justice system”where Aare Babalola claimed the publication defamed him.
The case is set to commence on february 13th 2025 at the chief magistrate court, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
